RATS scurrying around Church Green in Redditch town centre are proving to be an ongoing issue – and traders and shoppers are blaming locals feeding the pigeons for the problem, writes Ramla Soni.
Hazel Whiston of fast food stall Bob & Hazels in Market Square said: “The issue of rats is so frustrating as its people themselves who are causing this. If people didn’t come with huge bags of bread and seeds to feed the pigeons, rats would not come around this area for food.
“We have told them not to feed the pigeons but they keep on doing so. There is a small sign on the lamppost opposite us prohibiting the feeding of pigeons but no one can see that. Several should be placed around in places more visible to the public.”
Another market trader said: “It’s not a nice sight for people coming into town. You can see several running across the church pathway and on the grass where when it’s a nice day children play and have family picnics.
“People need to stop feeding the pigeons as when the birds don’t eat the food rats do.”
Shelly Wootton who works at Andrew Grant Sales and Lettings on Church Green East added: “Of course rats are going to be around in a natural environment just like foxes and other outdoor creatures, but I do see a lot of people feeding pigeons which needs to stop as it is attracting more rats day by day.”
County environmental health officer Toby Hardman-Dodd said action would be taken: “We will be putting some more ‘do not feed pigeons’ signs up around the affected area and also targeting rats by using pest treatment and placing bait boxes.”
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